Questions and Answers Related to DNA Replication and Polypeptides

1060 Words3 Pages

Explain the significance of DNA replication. To do this you need to make clear the relationship between DNA replication and the survival of a species.

1. DNA replication is vital in the survival of species as through replication, identical copies of genes can be made, ensuring it is able to repair itself when it is damaged (through the process of mitosis).

DNA replication occurs when single-stranded chromosomes replicate in order to create double-stranded chromosomes, essential in creating daughter cells. It is necessary as in order for a zygote to undergo growth, double-stranded chromosomes are required, however when gametes are made they are single-stranded, requiring DNA replication to produce double-stranded chromosomes.

It also enables for variation in species to exist, through meiosis. This means that if factors such as environmental changes were to hinder the survival of a certain species, it would be able to produce genes that are altered to ensure better adaptations to the new conditions are found within the gene, ultimately ensuring the survival of that species.

2. Explain the relationship between polypeptides and proteins. To do this you need to make clear the relationship between the two.

Amino acids are the building blocks of all proteins, which are complex molecules containing elements such as nitrogen, oxygen, carbon and hydrogen. Amino acids linked by peptide bonds create polypeptides. When there are many polypeptides linked together in a chain, and it is folded to fit a particular function, it creates a protein. However if it was not folded into a certain shape, it would not become a protein, rather just a Polypeptide.

Although ultimately both polypeptides and proteins are chains of amino acids, in ...

... middle of paper ...

...ng genetics, there are both positive and negative aspects. Positive aspects include that by creating genetically modified species, it introduces diversity into an ecosystem, helping to aid the survival of the species. However this is countered as in many cases, the genetically modified species becomes predominant, resulting in the loss of diversity within the species, overall affecting its survival rate. Moreover, the transgenic species may have negative impacts on the wider environment, including the animals and vegetation within the ecosystem. Further, with recent transgenic species, it is difficult to predict the effects it will have on the environment as it has not yet been recorded and is unknown.

The creation and use of transgenic species has many issues surrounding it however, it is an endless debate that seems unlikely to be decided I the near future.

More about Questions and Answers Related to DNA Replication and Polypeptides

Open Document